Dear God our Father,
We pray today for the Will of God to lead,guide, and direct our lives in perfect order..
We submit to Thy Power and confess and repent of all sin.
We forgive all in the name of Jesus.
We pray for all people for all reasons. We pray for love to touch our hearts and souls in every way possible. Fill our cups and let them overflow with blessings and love so that we may share your word.
Praise and God and Thank God for all and each spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. Lord do bless this ministry for an increase. Send your helpers by way of the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus to lift Him Up Today.
Glory to God in The Highest and Peace on Earth. We ask in Jesus name A-men.
Oh Lord: Bless the children, homeless,the jobless, the poor, sick and elderly and give us peace in the valley. A-men
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
What Roles Does Jesus Play in The World?
Prayer: Hear our O'Lord of our Salvation. Praise God for Whom all blessings flow. Thank You Lord for Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit, with All Praise, Glory and Honor in His name we pray A-men.
Scripture:This took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
Gospel of John 1:28-29
Sermon: We are so thankful in the Lord for this holiday experience. The question before us is what role does Jesus play? Often we thank God for all that He has done, and this is a good thing. Yet, the one thing that Jesus did was to save the world.
Our lives are simply one huge gift of God. Although we all make mistake and experience trouble and pain at some level we are Gods creation. Our faith is what makes the big difference in life and living. We walk by our faith in God through Christ Jesus. This is just an amazing thing. The Grace of God.
Our scripture tell us clearly that Jesus takes away the sins of the world. This is the role of Jesus. There has been no other person to die on the cross for the sins of the world and rise the third day to be with God. Moreover, Jesus is coming back soon to make a new heaven and earth for those who walk in His light. We praise God today for this light of heaven.The role did Jesus plays is to take away the sins of the world and to return to replace it with one of purity, Holiness and God. We praise God and Bless His Holy Name today. God Bless so much today. A-men in Jesus name...
Scripture:This took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
Gospel of John 1:28-29
Sermon: We are so thankful in the Lord for this holiday experience. The question before us is what role does Jesus play? Often we thank God for all that He has done, and this is a good thing. Yet, the one thing that Jesus did was to save the world.
Our lives are simply one huge gift of God. Although we all make mistake and experience trouble and pain at some level we are Gods creation. Our faith is what makes the big difference in life and living. We walk by our faith in God through Christ Jesus. This is just an amazing thing. The Grace of God.
Our scripture tell us clearly that Jesus takes away the sins of the world. This is the role of Jesus. There has been no other person to die on the cross for the sins of the world and rise the third day to be with God. Moreover, Jesus is coming back soon to make a new heaven and earth for those who walk in His light. We praise God today for this light of heaven.The role did Jesus plays is to take away the sins of the world and to return to replace it with one of purity, Holiness and God. We praise God and Bless His Holy Name today. God Bless so much today. A-men in Jesus name...
Friday, November 27, 2009
Praise God to Thank God!
Glory to God in The Highest, all in Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit of God.
We Thank You God with all of our Praise.
The Lord is good and worthy of all Praise.
We thank Thee Lord for all and each Spiritual Blessing in The Christ.
Lord we love Thee so much.
We can never Praise Your Holy Name enough...
Glory to Glory, with all thanksgiving, in the name of Jesus we pray, A-men...
We Thank You God with all of our Praise.
The Lord is good and worthy of all Praise.
We thank Thee Lord for all and each Spiritual Blessing in The Christ.
Lord we love Thee so much.
We can never Praise Your Holy Name enough...
Glory to Glory, with all thanksgiving, in the name of Jesus we pray, A-men...
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Can You Thank God?
The God and Lord of our Salvation stands ready to Love us today. We thank God for all blessings in Christ Jesus ans The Holy Spirit. Bless us all Lord. We love Thee so much today and forever. Thank You Lord for being our God and continue to Bless us. Thank You Lord for all that You Have Done and Will Do. In Jesus Name We Pray. A-men.
If You wish to Thank God ,Please do so....
If You wish to Thank God ,Please do so....
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Pre-Thanksgiving Prayer
O' Lord, Thy God of all heaven and Earth,
We Praise Thee with all the love in our hearts.
We humble ourselves completely to Your power.
We thank Thee for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus Your son.
We thank You for every drop of life we have in this world.
We pray for all those in need. We pray for all of our followers in The Joy of Jesus.
We thank you for the gift of this mew form of ministry, that seeks only to worship You in spirit and in truth. Bless us right now Jesus in Your name.Lord we can never thank you enough in these days. Thank You Lord.
To God be the power, glory forever A-men in Jesus name and joy we pray....
We Praise Thee with all the love in our hearts.
We humble ourselves completely to Your power.
We thank Thee for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus Your son.
We thank You for every drop of life we have in this world.
We pray for all those in need. We pray for all of our followers in The Joy of Jesus.
We thank you for the gift of this mew form of ministry, that seeks only to worship You in spirit and in truth. Bless us right now Jesus in Your name.Lord we can never thank you enough in these days. Thank You Lord.
To God be the power, glory forever A-men in Jesus name and joy we pray....
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Do We Really Appreciate Jesus
Prayer: Eternal God our Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit, we humble ourselves of all sin and forgive all in your name. We thank Thee for all blessings in Christ Jesus. We ask that You continue to bless and this ministry. Praise God for whom all blessings flow in the name of Jesus we pray.
Scripture:
Luke 17:11-19 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
11(A) On the way to Jerusalem(B) he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers,[a](C) who stood at a distance 13and lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." 14When he saw them he said to them, "Go and(D) show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. 15Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back,(E) praising God with a loud voice; 16and(F) he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was(G) a Samaritan. 17Then Jesus answered, "Were not(H) ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18Was no one found to return and(I) give praise to God except this(J) foreigner?" 19And he said to him, "Rise and go your way;(K) your faith has made you well."[b]
Footnotes:
a.Luke 17:12 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
b.Luke 17
Sermon: We see in our scripture that 10 lepers asked Jesus for healing and only one came back to say thank you. The lesson is so clear. Jesus can heal everyone for any reason, yet only one will give thanks. The question today are you the one?
Lepercy is a form of our modern day AIDS. This is a horrible disease. Jesus had compassion on these people and healed them. We need healing today. We also need to give thanks to God that we are able to give thanks for all of the blessings that life has to offer. God is good all the time. His love is beyound our understanding. We love God because He first loved us.
In closing, Jesus did His part by healing the 10, as He heals our sin sick world. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and resurrected on the right hand of the Father in heaven. This is the reason for thanksgiving. We thank God for His Grace and Love until the end of time. Praise God for His goodness and love during these difficult days. Bless us all in the name of Jesus, we give God all of the Power, Honor and Glory. A-men.
Thank God Almighty...
Scripture:
Luke 17:11-19 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
11(A) On the way to Jerusalem(B) he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers,[a](C) who stood at a distance 13and lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." 14When he saw them he said to them, "Go and(D) show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. 15Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back,(E) praising God with a loud voice; 16and(F) he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was(G) a Samaritan. 17Then Jesus answered, "Were not(H) ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18Was no one found to return and(I) give praise to God except this(J) foreigner?" 19And he said to him, "Rise and go your way;(K) your faith has made you well."[b]
Footnotes:
a.Luke 17:12 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
b.Luke 17
Sermon: We see in our scripture that 10 lepers asked Jesus for healing and only one came back to say thank you. The lesson is so clear. Jesus can heal everyone for any reason, yet only one will give thanks. The question today are you the one?
Lepercy is a form of our modern day AIDS. This is a horrible disease. Jesus had compassion on these people and healed them. We need healing today. We also need to give thanks to God that we are able to give thanks for all of the blessings that life has to offer. God is good all the time. His love is beyound our understanding. We love God because He first loved us.
In closing, Jesus did His part by healing the 10, as He heals our sin sick world. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and resurrected on the right hand of the Father in heaven. This is the reason for thanksgiving. We thank God for His Grace and Love until the end of time. Praise God for His goodness and love during these difficult days. Bless us all in the name of Jesus, we give God all of the Power, Honor and Glory. A-men.
Thank God Almighty...
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Christian Education: Understanding Thanksgiving
Our lesson is to illustrate how Jesus receives a thanksgiving from one person out of ten. There are too many people who fail to give thanks. God Bless you today...
Nineteenth Sunday of Pentecost
Jesus Heals Ten Lepers
Luke 17: 11 - 19
Leprosy is a mildly contagious disease which today is called Hansen's disease and can be readily treated with sulfa drugs.
In Jesus' time people who were physically unclean or who had a disease were considered to be spiritually unclean and could not participate in prayers or make sacrifices in the temple.
The people in Palestine were afraid of lepers because they could infect healthy people with their disease, and they despised the lepers as people who must have committed terrible secret sins.
Since leprosy shows in the skin, lepers could not hide their illness from the community, so they were shunned and forced to live apart, because other people were afraid they could catch their disease from them.
Though leprosy is not fatal, it can affect the voice and vision, as well as the skin, nose, toes, and fingers, and the leper's physical condition continued to deteriorate during his or her lifetime.
Because lepers could not participate in worship, most people believed that the disease was a punishment for earlier sins - not being able to worship God was the worst punishment people could imagine, so people thought the lepers must have done something horrible to be punished so severely for their whole lifetimes.
That Jesus could cure a disease that no one else could even stop in its course shows that he was a true worker of miracles. That Jesus cured so many people who were prevented from praying and worshiping shows that his mission on earth was to reconcile people to God.
When Jesus healed the lepers just as Elisha had healed Naaman, many people thought he was an Old Testament prophet returned from the dead.
Some of the people Jesus healed may have had psoriasis, an autoimmune disease, which is not contagious. But people were so afraid of being banned from worship, that they avoided anyone who had a skin disease; nothing could be worse than a lifetime away from worshipping God.
1. How many lepers did Jesus heal?
[Jesus healed ten lepers.]
2. How many lepers came back to thank him?
[One healed leper came back to thank Jesus.]
3. Where did the healed leper come from?
[The healed leper came from Samaria.]
4. According to Jesus, why were the lepers healed?
[Jesus said, "Your faith has made you well."]
Calendar | HomePage | References and Resources | Pentecost 20 Lesson | Pentecost 19 Art
Nineteenth Sunday of Pentecost
Jesus Heals Ten Lepers
Luke 17: 11 - 19
Leprosy is a mildly contagious disease which today is called Hansen's disease and can be readily treated with sulfa drugs.
In Jesus' time people who were physically unclean or who had a disease were considered to be spiritually unclean and could not participate in prayers or make sacrifices in the temple.
The people in Palestine were afraid of lepers because they could infect healthy people with their disease, and they despised the lepers as people who must have committed terrible secret sins.
Since leprosy shows in the skin, lepers could not hide their illness from the community, so they were shunned and forced to live apart, because other people were afraid they could catch their disease from them.
Though leprosy is not fatal, it can affect the voice and vision, as well as the skin, nose, toes, and fingers, and the leper's physical condition continued to deteriorate during his or her lifetime.
Because lepers could not participate in worship, most people believed that the disease was a punishment for earlier sins - not being able to worship God was the worst punishment people could imagine, so people thought the lepers must have done something horrible to be punished so severely for their whole lifetimes.
That Jesus could cure a disease that no one else could even stop in its course shows that he was a true worker of miracles. That Jesus cured so many people who were prevented from praying and worshiping shows that his mission on earth was to reconcile people to God.
When Jesus healed the lepers just as Elisha had healed Naaman, many people thought he was an Old Testament prophet returned from the dead.
Some of the people Jesus healed may have had psoriasis, an autoimmune disease, which is not contagious. But people were so afraid of being banned from worship, that they avoided anyone who had a skin disease; nothing could be worse than a lifetime away from worshipping God.
1. How many lepers did Jesus heal?
[Jesus healed ten lepers.]
2. How many lepers came back to thank him?
[One healed leper came back to thank Jesus.]
3. Where did the healed leper come from?
[The healed leper came from Samaria.]
4. According to Jesus, why were the lepers healed?
[Jesus said, "Your faith has made you well."]
Calendar | HomePage | References and Resources | Pentecost 20 Lesson | Pentecost 19 Art
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Reaching Out for Jesus, True Thanksgiving
Matthew 21:9 The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David; BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest!"
One of the hardest jobs of the believer is reaching out for Jesus. People are more and more sceptical of The Lord. They are too busy, there is something else they have to do. They are just not into it. Yet, to reach out for Jesus could mean rejection.
These are the days when time may not be on our side. Everything happens so fast. Problems run like water. We need a strong foundation to simply go on in life. Jesus is that rock.
When I ask some people to visit us or join us, they are reluctant. They are afraid. Why one may ask? The answer is sin. We are so burdened by our faults, it is too painful to even think about it. But I have good news. Jesus can give you peace and joy.
In closing, reach out for Jesus. Tell some one about the goodness of God in Christ Jesus who died for all of our sins and was raised up by the power of God to return again to save those who hold on to their faith. Praise God Almighty in the name and joy of Jesus.
One of the hardest jobs of the believer is reaching out for Jesus. People are more and more sceptical of The Lord. They are too busy, there is something else they have to do. They are just not into it. Yet, to reach out for Jesus could mean rejection.
These are the days when time may not be on our side. Everything happens so fast. Problems run like water. We need a strong foundation to simply go on in life. Jesus is that rock.
When I ask some people to visit us or join us, they are reluctant. They are afraid. Why one may ask? The answer is sin. We are so burdened by our faults, it is too painful to even think about it. But I have good news. Jesus can give you peace and joy.
In closing, reach out for Jesus. Tell some one about the goodness of God in Christ Jesus who died for all of our sins and was raised up by the power of God to return again to save those who hold on to their faith. Praise God Almighty in the name and joy of Jesus.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Our Father who art in heaven, Father of Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit.
We humble ourselves of all sin, we forgive all in Your name.
Blessed is the name of the Lord. We Thank Thee Lord so much today. The Joy in our soul must be magnified. Lord we lift you up today and forever.
This Joy in our hearts is over-flowing. Thank you for the love of all the saints.
Praise God, Thank God, Glory to God. The Center of all Joy and Thanks giving.
Thank you Lord. We just Thank you. Bless us right now, let us continue to grow. Heal us Lord of all sin ,.
Glory to God in the highest.. Glory to Glory.
In Jesus name we pray...A-em.
We humble ourselves of all sin, we forgive all in Your name.
Blessed is the name of the Lord. We Thank Thee Lord so much today. The Joy in our soul must be magnified. Lord we lift you up today and forever.
This Joy in our hearts is over-flowing. Thank you for the love of all the saints.
Praise God, Thank God, Glory to God. The Center of all Joy and Thanks giving.
Thank you Lord. We just Thank you. Bless us right now, let us continue to grow. Heal us Lord of all sin ,.
Glory to God in the highest.. Glory to Glory.
In Jesus name we pray...A-em.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sermon: We need a Blessing
Prayer: Almighty God, we bless your Holy name and give Thee all the power, honor, glory and praise. We thank Thee for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus for the His death on the cross, resurrection and return to all glory. Bless us now. We love Thee and magnify Thee. In The Name of Jesus we pray.
Sermon: Our message today is one of the blessings of The Lord in Christ Jesus from one of the greatest preachers of the past. God Bless you today...
Blessing for Blessing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Sermon
(No. 2266)
Intended for Reading on Lord's-day, July 24th, 1892,
Delivered by
C. H. SPURGEON,
At the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington
On Lord's-day Evening, October 26th, 1890.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love."—Ephesians 1:3, 4.
od blesses us; let us bless him. I pray that every heart here may take its own part in this service of praise.
"O thou, my soul, bless God the Lord,
And all that in me is,
Be stirred up his holy name
To magnify and bless!"
Sit in your seats, and keep on blessing God from the first word of the sermon to the last; and then go on blessing God till the last hour of life, and enter into heaven into the eternal glory, still blessing God. It should be our life to bless him who gave us our life. It should be our delight to bless him whom give us all our delights. So says the text, and so let us do: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
I. Our first occupation, at this time, will be that of BLESSING GOD.
But how can we bless God? Without doubt the less is blessed of the Greater. Can the Greater be blessed by the less? Yes, but it must be in a modified sense. God blesses us with all spiritual blessings; but we cannot give him any blessings. He needs nothing at our hand; and if he did, we could not give it. "If I were hungry," saith the Lord, "I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof." God has an all-sufficiency within himself, and can never be thought of as dependent upon his creatures, or as receiving anything form his creatures which he needs to receive. He is infinitely blessed already; we cannot add to his blessedness. When he blesses us, he gives us a blessedness that we never had before; but when we bless him, we cannot by one iota increase his absolutely infinite perfectness. David said to the Lord, "My goodness extendeth not to thee." This was as if he had said, Let me be as holy, as devout, and as earnest as I may, I can do nothing for thee; thou art too high, too holy, too great for me to be really able to bless thee in the sense which thou dost bless me.
How, then, do we bless God? Well, I should say, first, that this language is the expression of gratitude. We say with David, "Bless the Lord, O my soul," and we say with Paul, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." We can bless God by praising him, extolling him, desiring all honour for him, ascribing all good to him, magnifying and lauding his holy name. Well, we will do that. Sit still, if you will, and let your heart be silent unto God; for no language can ever express the gratitude that, I trust, we feel to him who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Praise him also in your speech. Break the silence; speak of his glory. Invite other to cry with you, "Hallelujah!" or "Hallels unto Jah!" "Praise to Jehovah!" Ascribe ye greatness unto our God. Oh, that all flesh would magnify the Lord with us!
This language is also the utterance of assent to all the blessedness that is ascribed to the Lord. After hearing how great he is, how glorious he is, how happy he is, we bless him by saying, "Amen; so let it be! So would we have it! He is none to great for us, none too blessed for us. Let him be great, glorious and blessed, beyond all conception." I think that we bless God when we say concerning the whole of his character, "Amen. This God is our God for ever and ever." Let him be just what the Bible says he is; we accept him as such. Sternly just, he will not spare the guilty. Amen, blessed be his name! Infinitely gracious, ready to forgive. Amen, so let it be! Everywhere present, always omniscient. Amen, so again do we wish him to be! Everlastingly the same, unchanging in his truth, his promise, his nature. We again say that we are glad of it, and we bless him. He is just such a God as we love. He is indeed God to us, because he is really God, and we can see that he is so, and every attribute ascribed to him is a fresh proof to us that Jehovah is the Lord. Thus, we bless him by adoration.
We also bless God in the spreading of his kingdom. We can win hearts to him through his mighty grace blessing our service. We can fight against evil; we can set up a standard for the truth. We can be willing to suffer in repute, and every way else, for his name's sake. We can by his grace do all this, and thus we are blessing God. Surely, dear friends, if it is well-pleasing in God's sight that sinners should repent, if it makes heaven the gladder, and makes joy in the presence of the angels that men should repent, we are in the best and most practical way blessing God when we labour to bring men to repentance through faith in Christ Jesus.
There is also another way of blessing God which, I trust, we shall all endeavour to practise; and that is by the doing good to his children. When they are sick, visit them. When they are downcast, comfort them. When they are poor, relieve them. When they are hard pressed by outward adversaries, stand at their side, and help them. You cannot bless the Head, but you can bless the feet; and when you have refreshed the feet, you have refreshed the Head. He will say, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." If they be naked, and you clothe them; if they be sick, and you visit them; if they be hungry, and you feed them; you do in this respect bless God. David not only said, "Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;" but added, "but to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent in whom is all my delight." You can be good to them, and in that respect you may be blessing God. He has done so much for us, that we would fain do something for him; and when we have reached the limit of our possibilities, we long to do more. We wish that we had more money to give, more talent to use, more time that we could devote to his cause, we wish that we had more heart and more brain; sometimes we wish that we had more tongue, and we sing,—
"Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise!"
This word "blessed" is an attempt to break the narrow circle of our capacity. It is an earnest endeavour of a burning heart to lay at God's feet crowns of glory which it cannot find: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
II. But now, secondly, we shall spend a little time in VIEWING GOD in the light in which Paul sets him before us: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
We bless the god of nature. What beauties he has strewn around us! We bless the God of providence. How bountifully doth he send us harvests and fruitful seasons! We bless the God of grace who hath redeemed us, and adopted us as his children. But here is a peculiar aspect of God, which should call forth our highest praises; for he is called "the God and Father or our Lord Jesus Christ."
When we see God in connection with Christ, we see God through Christ, when we see God in Christ, then our hearts are all aflame, and we burst out with, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." God apart from Christ—that is a great and glorious theme; but the human mind fails to grasp it. The infinite Jehovah, who can conceive him? "Our God is a consuming fire." Who can draw near to him? But in the Mediator, in the Person of the God, the Man, in whom we find blended human sympathy and divine glory, we can draw nigh to God. There it is that we get our hands upon the golden harp-strings, and resolve that every string shall be struck to the praise of God in Christ Jesus.
But note carefully that God is described here as the God our Lord Jesus Christ. When Jesus knelt in prayer, he prayed to our God. When Jesus leaned in faith upon the promises, he trusted in God that he would deliver him. When our Saviour sang on the passover night, the song was unto God. When he prayed in Gethsemane, with bloody sweat, the prayer was unto our God. Jesus said to Mary at the sepulchre, "Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." How we ought to bless God when we think that he is the God, whom our Redeemer blesses! This is the God who said of Christ, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Delightful thought! When I approach Jehovah, I approach the God or our Lord Jesus Christ. Surely, when I see his blood-stained footprints there on the ground before me, though I put my shoe off from my foot, for the place is holy ground, yet I follow with confidence where my Friend, my Saviour, my Husband, my Head has been before me; and I rejoice as I worship the God of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is also called the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a great mystery. Think not that we shall ever understand the high relationship between the first and second Persons of the blessed Trinity, the Father and the Son. We speak of eternal filiation, which is a term that does not convey to us any great meaning; it simply covers up our ignorance. How God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as God, we do not know; and perhaps to wish to gaze into this tremendous mystery were as great a folly as to look at the sun, and blind ourselves with its brilliance. It is so; that ought to be enough for us. God the Father is the Father of Jesus Christ as to his divine nature: "Thou art my Son; this day I have begotten thee." He is also his Father as to the human side of his nature. He was begotten of the Holy Ghost. That body of his, that human life, came of God; not of Joseph, not of man. Born of a woman, God sent forth his Son; but he was his Son then. It was God's son that was born at Bethlehem. Gabriel said to the Virgin Mary, "That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." Now take the two natures of their wondrous blending in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and you see how the great God is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, sweet thought, he is my Father, too; my Father is Christ's Father. Jesus Christ's Father is our Father, and he teaches us all to call him, "Our Father, which art in heaven." Often in prayer he said, "Father"; and he bids us say the same, putting the plural pronoun before it, "Our Father." Now will you not bless the Lord, who is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ? Do you not feel a glowing in your hearts, as you think of the near and dear relationship into which you are brought through Jesus Christ? The God of Jesus Christ, the Father of Jesus Christ, is my God, my Father, too. Blessed, blessed, blessed, for ever blessed be that dear name!
III. Our third occupation, at this time, is that of RECOUNTING HIS GREAT MERCIES. I will read the rest of the third verse: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."
This recapitulation of mercies is written with full assurance; and you will not bless God unless you have a touch of that same experience. Paul does not say, "Who has, we hope and trust, blessed us," but he writes, "Who hath blessed us." Ah, beloved, if you have a full assurance that God has blessed you in Christ, and that now his smile rests upon you, and all the benisons of the covenant are stored there for you, I think that you cannot help saying, "Blessed, blessed be the name of the Most High!" that doubt, that trembling, this it is that empties out the marrow from the bone of our blessedness. If you have suspicions about the truth of this precious Book, if you have questions about the truth of the doctrines of grace, if you have doubts about your own interest in those things. I do not wonder that you do not praise God, for a blessing which is only mine by peradventure, well, peradventure I shall be grateful for it; but peradventure I shall not. But if I know whom I have believed, if I have a firm grip of spiritual mercies, if all heavenly things are mine in Christ my Lord, I can sing, "Wake up, my glory; awake psaltery and harp; I myself will awake right early." "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings."
With this full assurance should come intense delight: "Who hath blessed us." God has blessed us. Come, brethren, he has not done some trifle for us, which we can afford to ignore. He has not merely given us some absolutely necessary boons, which we must have, for we could not live without them; but he has in grace dealt still more abundantly with us. He has gone beyond workhouse fare, and made us a feast with saints and princes. He has given us more than home-spun garments; he has put upon us robes of beauty and of glory, even his own spotless righteousness. He has blessed us; we are blessed; we feel that we are. Each believer can say:—
"I feel like singing all the time,
For my tears are wiped away;
For Jesus is a Friend of mine,
I'll praise him every day.
I'll praise him! Praise him! Praise him all the time!"
We are not sitting here, and groaning, and crying, and fretting, and worrying, and questioning our own salvation. He has blessed us; and therefore we will bless him. If you think little of what God has done for you, you will do very little for him; but if you have a great notion of his great mercy to you, you will be greatly grateful to you gracious God.
Let me also remark, next, that as assurance and delight lead to blessing God, so does a right understanding of his mercies. To help your understanding, notice what Paul says: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings." An enlightened man is grateful to God for temporal blessings; but he is much more grateful to God for spiritual blessings, for temporal blessings do not last long; they are soon gone. Temporal blessings as not definite marks of divine favour, since God gives them to the unworthy, and to the wicked, as well as to the righteous. The corn, and wine, and oil, are for Dives; and Lazarus gets even less than his share. Our thanks are due to God for all temporal blessings; they are more than we deserve. But our thanks ought to go to God in thunders of hallelujahs for spiritual blessings. A new heart is better than a new coat. To feed on Christ is better than to have the best earthly food. To be an heir of God is better than being the heir of the greatest nobleman. To have God for our portion is blessed, infinitely more blessed than to own broad acres of land. God hath blessed us with spiritual blessings. These are the rarest, the richest, the most enduring of all blessings; they are priceless in value. Wherefore, let me beg you to join in blessing the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed you with spiritual blessings.
But did you notice the word "all"? I must bring that out clearly. I must turn the microscope on it. "Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings." Surely, Paul means that we have not a spiritual blessing which God did not give. We have never earned one; we could never create one. All spiritual blessings come from the Father; he has really given us all spiritual blessings. "I have not received them," says one. That is your own fault. He hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ. A new heart, a tender conscience, a submissive will, faith, hope, love, patience, we have all these in Christ. Regeneration, justification, adoption, sanctification, perfection are all in Christ. If we do not take them out, it is the fault of our palsied hand, that has not strength enough to grasp them; but he has given us all spiritual blessings in Christ. Whenever you read your Bible, and see a great promise, do not hesitate to claim it. He hath given us all spiritual blessings in Christ. "I am afraid," says one, "that I should be presuming if I took some of the promises." He hath given us all spiritual blessings in Christ. You are in your Father's house; you cannot steal; for your Father says, "Help yourself to what you like." He has made over his whole estate of spiritual wealth to every believing child of his; wherefore take freely, and you will, by doing so, glorify God. He hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ.
This he has done in the "heavenly places." What does that mean, "Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places"? Does it not mean that he is working upon us all spiritual blessings out of the heaven where he dwells? Or does it mean much more, that his is sending us all these spiritual blessings to bring us to the heaven where he dwells, and where he would have us dwell?
I want to stir up your heart by reminding you that all the spiritual blessings we receive are the richer and rarer because they are given to us "in Christ." Here are the blessings; and Christ is the golden casket that holds them all. When the City of London makes a man a freeman of the city, the document giving him his liberty is usually presented to him enclosed in a golden casket. Christ is that golden casket, in which we find the charter of our eternal liberty. He hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ. If they came to us any other way, we might lose them; or we might not be sure that they were genuine; but when they come to us in Christ, they come to stay, and we know that they are real. If Christ is mine, all blessings in heavenly places are mine.
I seemed, to myself, to be talking very drily of things that ought to be swimming in a sea of joy and delight. Beloved, do not let my faint words rob my Lord of any of his glory. He has done such great things for you; bless his name. We cannot stand up, and ask for instruments of music with which to sound his praise; but we can sit still, and each one say, "Blessed be his name! It is all true; he has blessed me; I know that he has. He has blessed me, with a liberal hand, with all spiritual blessings. He has blessed me, just where I wanted blessing, where I was poorest in spiritual things. I could make my way in business, but I could not make my own way in grace; so he has blessed me with all spiritual blessings; and he has made the garments all the dearer because of the wardrobe in which he has hung them. He has given me these royal things in Christ; and as I look to my dear Lord, and see what there is for me stored up in him, I prize each thing the more because it is in him. Come, Holy Spirit, set our hearts on fire with blessing and praise to God for all the great things that he has done for us!"
IV. I shall close with this fourth remark: Let us bless God, BEHOLDING THE MANNER OF HIS GIFTS. That is described in the fourth verse: "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love."
Now, brethren, we are to praise God because all spiritual blessings have come to us in the same way as our election came, "according as he hath chosen us in him." How did that come? Well, it came of his free, sovereign grace. He loved us because he would love us. He chose us before he chose us. "Ye have not chosen me; but I have chosen you." If there is any virtue, if there be any praise in us now, he put it there. To the bottomless abyss of his own infinite goodness we must trace the election of his grace. Well, now, every blessing comes to us in the same way. God hath not blessed thee, my brother, with usefulness because thou didst deserve it; but because of his grace. He did not redeem thee, or regenerate thee, or sanctify thee, or uphold thee, because of anything in thee. Again and again, by the prophet Ezekiel, did the Lord remind his ancient people that the blessings he bestowed upon them were all gifts of his grace. "Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God, I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake." And again, "Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord God, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for you own ways, O house of Israel." Every blessing comes to us with the hall-mark of sovereign grace upon it. As the Lord distributed the gifts of his grace, he says, "May I not do as I will with my own?" He does so, and we bless, and praise, and adore the sovereign grace of God, which having chosen us, continues to bless us according as he hath chosen us in Christ.
Next, we have to bless God that all his gifts come to us in Christ. Notice Paul's words, "according as he hath chosen us in him." God called us in Christ. He justified us in Christ. He sanctified us in Christ. He will perfect us in Christ. He will glorify us in Christ. We have everything in Christ, and we have nothing apart from Christ. Let us praise and bless the name of the Lord that this sacred channel of his grace is as glorious as the grace itself. There is as much grace in the gift of Christ to save us as there is in the salvation which Christ has wrought out for us. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Again, all our blessings come from the divine purpose. Listen: "Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him." No spiritual blessing comes to any man by chance. No man gets a boon from God through his "good luck:; it all comes according to the eternal purpose of God which he purposes or ever the earth was.
"Long e'er the sun's refulgent ray
Primeval shades of darkness drove,
They on his sacred bosom lay,
Loved with an everlasting love."
"Before the foundation of the world", says the text, there was a purpose in the heart of God, and in that purpose we were chosen, and by that same purpose God continues to bless us. Look, beloved, God never gives his people either a gift or a grace without his purpose. Has God given you a brain cleat, quick, capacious? Think for him. Has God given you a tongue fluent, eloquent? Speak for him. He does not give you these gifts without purpose. Has God given you influence among your fellow-men? Use it for him. Your election came according to his purpose; and so have all your gifts, and much more, all your graces. Have you a strong, bright-eyes faith? Have you burning zeal? Have you vehement love? Have you any of these gifts of the covenant? Use them for a purpose. God has given them for a purpose; find out what that purpose is, and glorify God thereby.
Lastly, the text tells us that God blesses us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, "that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." God's choice of us was not because we were holy, by to make us holy; and God's purpose will not be fulfilled unless we are made holy. Some people, when they talk about salvation, mean escaping from hell, and getting into heaven by the skin of their teeth. We never mean any such thing. We mean deliverance from evil, deliverance from sin. Like a dog in the manger, they cannot eat the hay themselves, and they growl at those who can. If you wish to be safe from sin, ask God for that great blessing, and he will give it to you; but if you do not want it, do not complain if God says, "I shall give it to such and such a person, and you that do not even ask for it shall be left without it." If you do not care to be holy, you shall not be holy. If you did not care for it, and wish for it, you might have it, for God denies it to none who seek it at his hands. But if you neither wish for it, nor value it, why do you lift your puny fist against the God of heaven because he hath chosen others, that they should be holy and without blame before him in love?
The object of our election is our holiness, and the object of every spiritual blessing is our holiness. God is aiming at making us holy. Are you not glad of that? May I not say, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, because his aim in every gift is to make us holy"? Brothers and sisters, would we not sacrifice everything we have, and count it no sacrifice, if we might be perfectly holy? I said to a young girl, who came to join the church, "Mary, are you perfect?" She looked at me and said, "No, sir." I said, "Would you like to be?" "Oh, that I would! I long for it; I cry for it." Surely, the God who makes us long to be perfect, has already wrought a great work in us; and if we can say that, to be perfect, would be heaven to us, then we are already on the road to heaven, and God is working out in us his eternal purpose, which is, "that we should be holy."
There is one thing more: "That we should be holy and without blame before him in love." Does that mean that we are to be loving, full of love, and without blame in that matter? Well, I am afraid that there are not very many Christians who are without blame on the score of love. I know a man, a noble man intellectually, and, in some respects, spiritually. I believe that he would die at the stake for the grand old Calvinistic faith; but he is as hard as iron; you cannot feel any kind of love to him, for he does not feel any kind of love to anybody else. That man is not without blame before God in love. I have known others; wonderful Christians they appear to be, they could pray for a week; but if you are poor, and ask them for a little help, your asking will all be in vain. I do not think that they are without blame before God in love. O brothers, God has chosen us to be loving, he has ordained us to be loving; and all the innumerable blessings which he has given to us, he sends to win us to a loving spirit, that we may be without blame in that matter. Our dear friend, Mr. William Olney, whom we remember here still, and never can forget, was, I think, without blame in that matter of love. I sometimes thought that he used to shed his love on some who might have been the better for a hard word; for they were deceivers; but he could not bring his mind to think that anybody could be a deceiver; and if anybody was in want of help, no matter though their own misconduct had brought them into poverty, his hand was in his pocket, and out again, very quickly with help for them. He never failed in love; and I pray that you and I, with prudence and wisdom mixed with it, may be without blame before God in the matter of love. Love your fellow-Christians. Love poor sinners to Christ. Love those that despitefully use you. Love those round about you who are strangers to the love of God. It may be that they will see in your love some little image of the love of God, as in a drop of water you may sometimes see the sun and the heavens reflected. God make us to be reflections of the love of God! His purpose is that we may be holy and without blame before him in love.
Now, I have set before you a rare treasury. Does this treasury belong to you? My dear hearers, is Christ yours? Are you trusting him? If not, there is nothing yours. Without Christ, you can do nothing, and you are nothing, and you have nothing. Come to Jesus as you are, and put your trust in him, and then all things are yours. If Christ be yours, beloved, then I charge you bless the Lord, ay, bless the Lord again and again, for you will never bless him as much as he deserves to be blessed. Let us finish this service as we closed our worship this morning, by singing the doxology,—
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
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EPHESIANS 1
The Epistle to the Ephesians is a complete Body of Divinity. In the first chapter you have the doctrines of the gospel; in the next, you have the experience of the Christians; and before the Epistle is finished, you have the precepts of the Christian faith. Whosoever would see Christianity in on treatise, let him "read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest" the Epistle to the Ephesians.
1, 2. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus; grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
All down through the ages this benediction comes to us, even to as many of us as are " the faithful in Christ Jesus." "Grace be to you," brethren and sisters, grace in every form of it, the free favour of God, all that active force of grace which comes of his unmerited love. May you have a fresh draught of it at this time! "and peace." May you feel a deep peace with God, with your own conscience, and with all the world! Oh, that you might find an atmosphere of quiet calm about your mind at this very moment! The double blessing of "grace" and "peace" comes "from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."
3, 4. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,
One of the first doctrines of our holy faith is that of the union of all believing souls with Christ. We are blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ. Apart from Christ we are nothing; in Christ we have "all spiritual blessings" We are rich as Christ is rich, when we are united to him by the living bond of faith. Another great doctrine of Holy Scripture is that of election. We are blessed in Christ according as the Father "hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world." Why did God choose any unto eternal life? Was it because of any holiness in them then existing, or forseen to exist? No, by no means; for we read that: "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,"
4. That we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
We are chosen, not because we are holy, but that we may be made holy. The election precedes the character, and is indeed the moving cause in producing the character. Before the foundation of the world, God chose us in Christ, "that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." You see, then, beloved brethren and sisters, the end for which the Lord chose you by his grace.
5. Having predestinated us
Having destined us before we were born,
5. Unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
The chosen ones are adopted; they become the children of God. The universal Fatherhood of God, except in a very special sense, is a doctrine totally unknown to Scripture. God is the Father of those whom he adopts into his family, who are born again into his family, and no man hath any right to believe God to be his Father except through the new birth, and through adoption. And why God thus elects or adopts is declared here: "According to the good pleasure of his will." He does as he pleases. That old word of God is still true: "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." Men do not like that doctrine; it galls them terribly; but it is the truth of God for all that. He is Master and King, and he will sit on the throne, and none shall drag him thence.
6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
There is another precious doctrine, the acceptance of those who are adopted. We are beloved of God; he has a complacency toward us; he takes a delight in us; we are acceptable in his sight. Oh, what a blessing this is! But remember that it is all in Christ: "Accepted in the beloved." Because Christ is accepted, therefore those who are in him are accepted.
7, 8. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
In the working out of the economy of grace, God has been lavish with his love; but yet there have been wisdom and prudence in it. He did not suffer the full light of the gospel to break in upon our eyes at first, lest we should have been blinded by it. Jesus had many things to say unto his disciples; but they could not bear them all at once; so, by little and little he has led us on, and led us up, abounding always in his grace, and only limiting the display of it by our capacity to receive it.
9, 10. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself; that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all thing in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Everything that is in Christ shall be gathered in; all his chosen, all that the Father gave him, all that he hath redeemed by blood, all that he hath effectually brought into union with himself shall be gathered together in one. There shall be one flock under one Shepherd.
11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance,
Not only shall we have it, but we have it now. We have heaven in the price of it, in the principles of it, in the promise of it, in the foretaste of it.
11, 12. Being predestined according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
The enmity of men's hearts to this doctrine of predestination was seen in the House of Common, not a fortnight ago, when one who ought to have known better talked about "the gloomy tenets of Calvin." I know nothing of Calvin's gloomy tenets; but I do know that I read here of predestination, and I read here that God hath his own way, and his own will, and that he reigns and rules, and so he will until the world's end; and all who are loyal subjects wish God to rule. He is a traitor who would not have God to be King; for who is infinitely good and kind as God is? Let him have his divine will. Who wishes to restrain him? Whether we wish is or not, however, the Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice, and let his adversaries tremble. Our predestination is "according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."
13, 14. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Those who believe in Christ have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them: the Holy Spirit is a part of heaven, "the earnest of our inheritance"; and wherever he dwells, it is not possible that the heart should lose the inheritance. It is entailed upon those in whom the Spirit dwells. Judge, there, dear brethren, whether the Spirit of God dwells in you or no.
15-23. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; they ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward, who believe; according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things in the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
How Paul glows as he writes on this great theme! He waxes warm, and rises to an enthusiasm of eloquence. We could not stop to explain his words; that were to spoil their mystic poetry. Oh, to have a heart that can glorify Christ as Paul did! Truly, if we know ourselves to be one with Christ, and know the privileges which come to us through that blessed gate, we may indeed extol him with all our heart and soul.
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HYMNS FROM "OUR OWN HYMN BOOK"—232; Ps. 103, Version I.; 219; and the Doxology.
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Copyright © 2001 by Phillip R. Johnson. All rights reserved. hits
Sermon: Our message today is one of the blessings of The Lord in Christ Jesus from one of the greatest preachers of the past. God Bless you today...
Blessing for Blessing
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A Sermon
(No. 2266)
Intended for Reading on Lord's-day, July 24th, 1892,
Delivered by
C. H. SPURGEON,
At the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington
On Lord's-day Evening, October 26th, 1890.
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"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love."—Ephesians 1:3, 4.
od blesses us; let us bless him. I pray that every heart here may take its own part in this service of praise.
"O thou, my soul, bless God the Lord,
And all that in me is,
Be stirred up his holy name
To magnify and bless!"
Sit in your seats, and keep on blessing God from the first word of the sermon to the last; and then go on blessing God till the last hour of life, and enter into heaven into the eternal glory, still blessing God. It should be our life to bless him who gave us our life. It should be our delight to bless him whom give us all our delights. So says the text, and so let us do: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
I. Our first occupation, at this time, will be that of BLESSING GOD.
But how can we bless God? Without doubt the less is blessed of the Greater. Can the Greater be blessed by the less? Yes, but it must be in a modified sense. God blesses us with all spiritual blessings; but we cannot give him any blessings. He needs nothing at our hand; and if he did, we could not give it. "If I were hungry," saith the Lord, "I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof." God has an all-sufficiency within himself, and can never be thought of as dependent upon his creatures, or as receiving anything form his creatures which he needs to receive. He is infinitely blessed already; we cannot add to his blessedness. When he blesses us, he gives us a blessedness that we never had before; but when we bless him, we cannot by one iota increase his absolutely infinite perfectness. David said to the Lord, "My goodness extendeth not to thee." This was as if he had said, Let me be as holy, as devout, and as earnest as I may, I can do nothing for thee; thou art too high, too holy, too great for me to be really able to bless thee in the sense which thou dost bless me.
How, then, do we bless God? Well, I should say, first, that this language is the expression of gratitude. We say with David, "Bless the Lord, O my soul," and we say with Paul, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." We can bless God by praising him, extolling him, desiring all honour for him, ascribing all good to him, magnifying and lauding his holy name. Well, we will do that. Sit still, if you will, and let your heart be silent unto God; for no language can ever express the gratitude that, I trust, we feel to him who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Praise him also in your speech. Break the silence; speak of his glory. Invite other to cry with you, "Hallelujah!" or "Hallels unto Jah!" "Praise to Jehovah!" Ascribe ye greatness unto our God. Oh, that all flesh would magnify the Lord with us!
This language is also the utterance of assent to all the blessedness that is ascribed to the Lord. After hearing how great he is, how glorious he is, how happy he is, we bless him by saying, "Amen; so let it be! So would we have it! He is none to great for us, none too blessed for us. Let him be great, glorious and blessed, beyond all conception." I think that we bless God when we say concerning the whole of his character, "Amen. This God is our God for ever and ever." Let him be just what the Bible says he is; we accept him as such. Sternly just, he will not spare the guilty. Amen, blessed be his name! Infinitely gracious, ready to forgive. Amen, so let it be! Everywhere present, always omniscient. Amen, so again do we wish him to be! Everlastingly the same, unchanging in his truth, his promise, his nature. We again say that we are glad of it, and we bless him. He is just such a God as we love. He is indeed God to us, because he is really God, and we can see that he is so, and every attribute ascribed to him is a fresh proof to us that Jehovah is the Lord. Thus, we bless him by adoration.
We also bless God in the spreading of his kingdom. We can win hearts to him through his mighty grace blessing our service. We can fight against evil; we can set up a standard for the truth. We can be willing to suffer in repute, and every way else, for his name's sake. We can by his grace do all this, and thus we are blessing God. Surely, dear friends, if it is well-pleasing in God's sight that sinners should repent, if it makes heaven the gladder, and makes joy in the presence of the angels that men should repent, we are in the best and most practical way blessing God when we labour to bring men to repentance through faith in Christ Jesus.
There is also another way of blessing God which, I trust, we shall all endeavour to practise; and that is by the doing good to his children. When they are sick, visit them. When they are downcast, comfort them. When they are poor, relieve them. When they are hard pressed by outward adversaries, stand at their side, and help them. You cannot bless the Head, but you can bless the feet; and when you have refreshed the feet, you have refreshed the Head. He will say, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." If they be naked, and you clothe them; if they be sick, and you visit them; if they be hungry, and you feed them; you do in this respect bless God. David not only said, "Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;" but added, "but to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent in whom is all my delight." You can be good to them, and in that respect you may be blessing God. He has done so much for us, that we would fain do something for him; and when we have reached the limit of our possibilities, we long to do more. We wish that we had more money to give, more talent to use, more time that we could devote to his cause, we wish that we had more heart and more brain; sometimes we wish that we had more tongue, and we sing,—
"Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise!"
This word "blessed" is an attempt to break the narrow circle of our capacity. It is an earnest endeavour of a burning heart to lay at God's feet crowns of glory which it cannot find: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
II. But now, secondly, we shall spend a little time in VIEWING GOD in the light in which Paul sets him before us: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
We bless the god of nature. What beauties he has strewn around us! We bless the God of providence. How bountifully doth he send us harvests and fruitful seasons! We bless the God of grace who hath redeemed us, and adopted us as his children. But here is a peculiar aspect of God, which should call forth our highest praises; for he is called "the God and Father or our Lord Jesus Christ."
When we see God in connection with Christ, we see God through Christ, when we see God in Christ, then our hearts are all aflame, and we burst out with, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." God apart from Christ—that is a great and glorious theme; but the human mind fails to grasp it. The infinite Jehovah, who can conceive him? "Our God is a consuming fire." Who can draw near to him? But in the Mediator, in the Person of the God, the Man, in whom we find blended human sympathy and divine glory, we can draw nigh to God. There it is that we get our hands upon the golden harp-strings, and resolve that every string shall be struck to the praise of God in Christ Jesus.
But note carefully that God is described here as the God our Lord Jesus Christ. When Jesus knelt in prayer, he prayed to our God. When Jesus leaned in faith upon the promises, he trusted in God that he would deliver him. When our Saviour sang on the passover night, the song was unto God. When he prayed in Gethsemane, with bloody sweat, the prayer was unto our God. Jesus said to Mary at the sepulchre, "Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." How we ought to bless God when we think that he is the God, whom our Redeemer blesses! This is the God who said of Christ, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Delightful thought! When I approach Jehovah, I approach the God or our Lord Jesus Christ. Surely, when I see his blood-stained footprints there on the ground before me, though I put my shoe off from my foot, for the place is holy ground, yet I follow with confidence where my Friend, my Saviour, my Husband, my Head has been before me; and I rejoice as I worship the God of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is also called the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a great mystery. Think not that we shall ever understand the high relationship between the first and second Persons of the blessed Trinity, the Father and the Son. We speak of eternal filiation, which is a term that does not convey to us any great meaning; it simply covers up our ignorance. How God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as God, we do not know; and perhaps to wish to gaze into this tremendous mystery were as great a folly as to look at the sun, and blind ourselves with its brilliance. It is so; that ought to be enough for us. God the Father is the Father of Jesus Christ as to his divine nature: "Thou art my Son; this day I have begotten thee." He is also his Father as to the human side of his nature. He was begotten of the Holy Ghost. That body of his, that human life, came of God; not of Joseph, not of man. Born of a woman, God sent forth his Son; but he was his Son then. It was God's son that was born at Bethlehem. Gabriel said to the Virgin Mary, "That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." Now take the two natures of their wondrous blending in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and you see how the great God is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, sweet thought, he is my Father, too; my Father is Christ's Father. Jesus Christ's Father is our Father, and he teaches us all to call him, "Our Father, which art in heaven." Often in prayer he said, "Father"; and he bids us say the same, putting the plural pronoun before it, "Our Father." Now will you not bless the Lord, who is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ? Do you not feel a glowing in your hearts, as you think of the near and dear relationship into which you are brought through Jesus Christ? The God of Jesus Christ, the Father of Jesus Christ, is my God, my Father, too. Blessed, blessed, blessed, for ever blessed be that dear name!
III. Our third occupation, at this time, is that of RECOUNTING HIS GREAT MERCIES. I will read the rest of the third verse: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."
This recapitulation of mercies is written with full assurance; and you will not bless God unless you have a touch of that same experience. Paul does not say, "Who has, we hope and trust, blessed us," but he writes, "Who hath blessed us." Ah, beloved, if you have a full assurance that God has blessed you in Christ, and that now his smile rests upon you, and all the benisons of the covenant are stored there for you, I think that you cannot help saying, "Blessed, blessed be the name of the Most High!" that doubt, that trembling, this it is that empties out the marrow from the bone of our blessedness. If you have suspicions about the truth of this precious Book, if you have questions about the truth of the doctrines of grace, if you have doubts about your own interest in those things. I do not wonder that you do not praise God, for a blessing which is only mine by peradventure, well, peradventure I shall be grateful for it; but peradventure I shall not. But if I know whom I have believed, if I have a firm grip of spiritual mercies, if all heavenly things are mine in Christ my Lord, I can sing, "Wake up, my glory; awake psaltery and harp; I myself will awake right early." "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings."
With this full assurance should come intense delight: "Who hath blessed us." God has blessed us. Come, brethren, he has not done some trifle for us, which we can afford to ignore. He has not merely given us some absolutely necessary boons, which we must have, for we could not live without them; but he has in grace dealt still more abundantly with us. He has gone beyond workhouse fare, and made us a feast with saints and princes. He has given us more than home-spun garments; he has put upon us robes of beauty and of glory, even his own spotless righteousness. He has blessed us; we are blessed; we feel that we are. Each believer can say:—
"I feel like singing all the time,
For my tears are wiped away;
For Jesus is a Friend of mine,
I'll praise him every day.
I'll praise him! Praise him! Praise him all the time!"
We are not sitting here, and groaning, and crying, and fretting, and worrying, and questioning our own salvation. He has blessed us; and therefore we will bless him. If you think little of what God has done for you, you will do very little for him; but if you have a great notion of his great mercy to you, you will be greatly grateful to you gracious God.
Let me also remark, next, that as assurance and delight lead to blessing God, so does a right understanding of his mercies. To help your understanding, notice what Paul says: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings." An enlightened man is grateful to God for temporal blessings; but he is much more grateful to God for spiritual blessings, for temporal blessings do not last long; they are soon gone. Temporal blessings as not definite marks of divine favour, since God gives them to the unworthy, and to the wicked, as well as to the righteous. The corn, and wine, and oil, are for Dives; and Lazarus gets even less than his share. Our thanks are due to God for all temporal blessings; they are more than we deserve. But our thanks ought to go to God in thunders of hallelujahs for spiritual blessings. A new heart is better than a new coat. To feed on Christ is better than to have the best earthly food. To be an heir of God is better than being the heir of the greatest nobleman. To have God for our portion is blessed, infinitely more blessed than to own broad acres of land. God hath blessed us with spiritual blessings. These are the rarest, the richest, the most enduring of all blessings; they are priceless in value. Wherefore, let me beg you to join in blessing the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed you with spiritual blessings.
But did you notice the word "all"? I must bring that out clearly. I must turn the microscope on it. "Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings." Surely, Paul means that we have not a spiritual blessing which God did not give. We have never earned one; we could never create one. All spiritual blessings come from the Father; he has really given us all spiritual blessings. "I have not received them," says one. That is your own fault. He hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ. A new heart, a tender conscience, a submissive will, faith, hope, love, patience, we have all these in Christ. Regeneration, justification, adoption, sanctification, perfection are all in Christ. If we do not take them out, it is the fault of our palsied hand, that has not strength enough to grasp them; but he has given us all spiritual blessings in Christ. Whenever you read your Bible, and see a great promise, do not hesitate to claim it. He hath given us all spiritual blessings in Christ. "I am afraid," says one, "that I should be presuming if I took some of the promises." He hath given us all spiritual blessings in Christ. You are in your Father's house; you cannot steal; for your Father says, "Help yourself to what you like." He has made over his whole estate of spiritual wealth to every believing child of his; wherefore take freely, and you will, by doing so, glorify God. He hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ.
This he has done in the "heavenly places." What does that mean, "Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places"? Does it not mean that he is working upon us all spiritual blessings out of the heaven where he dwells? Or does it mean much more, that his is sending us all these spiritual blessings to bring us to the heaven where he dwells, and where he would have us dwell?
I want to stir up your heart by reminding you that all the spiritual blessings we receive are the richer and rarer because they are given to us "in Christ." Here are the blessings; and Christ is the golden casket that holds them all. When the City of London makes a man a freeman of the city, the document giving him his liberty is usually presented to him enclosed in a golden casket. Christ is that golden casket, in which we find the charter of our eternal liberty. He hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ. If they came to us any other way, we might lose them; or we might not be sure that they were genuine; but when they come to us in Christ, they come to stay, and we know that they are real. If Christ is mine, all blessings in heavenly places are mine.
I seemed, to myself, to be talking very drily of things that ought to be swimming in a sea of joy and delight. Beloved, do not let my faint words rob my Lord of any of his glory. He has done such great things for you; bless his name. We cannot stand up, and ask for instruments of music with which to sound his praise; but we can sit still, and each one say, "Blessed be his name! It is all true; he has blessed me; I know that he has. He has blessed me, with a liberal hand, with all spiritual blessings. He has blessed me, just where I wanted blessing, where I was poorest in spiritual things. I could make my way in business, but I could not make my own way in grace; so he has blessed me with all spiritual blessings; and he has made the garments all the dearer because of the wardrobe in which he has hung them. He has given me these royal things in Christ; and as I look to my dear Lord, and see what there is for me stored up in him, I prize each thing the more because it is in him. Come, Holy Spirit, set our hearts on fire with blessing and praise to God for all the great things that he has done for us!"
IV. I shall close with this fourth remark: Let us bless God, BEHOLDING THE MANNER OF HIS GIFTS. That is described in the fourth verse: "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love."
Now, brethren, we are to praise God because all spiritual blessings have come to us in the same way as our election came, "according as he hath chosen us in him." How did that come? Well, it came of his free, sovereign grace. He loved us because he would love us. He chose us before he chose us. "Ye have not chosen me; but I have chosen you." If there is any virtue, if there be any praise in us now, he put it there. To the bottomless abyss of his own infinite goodness we must trace the election of his grace. Well, now, every blessing comes to us in the same way. God hath not blessed thee, my brother, with usefulness because thou didst deserve it; but because of his grace. He did not redeem thee, or regenerate thee, or sanctify thee, or uphold thee, because of anything in thee. Again and again, by the prophet Ezekiel, did the Lord remind his ancient people that the blessings he bestowed upon them were all gifts of his grace. "Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God, I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake." And again, "Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord God, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for you own ways, O house of Israel." Every blessing comes to us with the hall-mark of sovereign grace upon it. As the Lord distributed the gifts of his grace, he says, "May I not do as I will with my own?" He does so, and we bless, and praise, and adore the sovereign grace of God, which having chosen us, continues to bless us according as he hath chosen us in Christ.
Next, we have to bless God that all his gifts come to us in Christ. Notice Paul's words, "according as he hath chosen us in him." God called us in Christ. He justified us in Christ. He sanctified us in Christ. He will perfect us in Christ. He will glorify us in Christ. We have everything in Christ, and we have nothing apart from Christ. Let us praise and bless the name of the Lord that this sacred channel of his grace is as glorious as the grace itself. There is as much grace in the gift of Christ to save us as there is in the salvation which Christ has wrought out for us. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Again, all our blessings come from the divine purpose. Listen: "Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him." No spiritual blessing comes to any man by chance. No man gets a boon from God through his "good luck:; it all comes according to the eternal purpose of God which he purposes or ever the earth was.
"Long e'er the sun's refulgent ray
Primeval shades of darkness drove,
They on his sacred bosom lay,
Loved with an everlasting love."
"Before the foundation of the world", says the text, there was a purpose in the heart of God, and in that purpose we were chosen, and by that same purpose God continues to bless us. Look, beloved, God never gives his people either a gift or a grace without his purpose. Has God given you a brain cleat, quick, capacious? Think for him. Has God given you a tongue fluent, eloquent? Speak for him. He does not give you these gifts without purpose. Has God given you influence among your fellow-men? Use it for him. Your election came according to his purpose; and so have all your gifts, and much more, all your graces. Have you a strong, bright-eyes faith? Have you burning zeal? Have you vehement love? Have you any of these gifts of the covenant? Use them for a purpose. God has given them for a purpose; find out what that purpose is, and glorify God thereby.
Lastly, the text tells us that God blesses us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, "that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." God's choice of us was not because we were holy, by to make us holy; and God's purpose will not be fulfilled unless we are made holy. Some people, when they talk about salvation, mean escaping from hell, and getting into heaven by the skin of their teeth. We never mean any such thing. We mean deliverance from evil, deliverance from sin. Like a dog in the manger, they cannot eat the hay themselves, and they growl at those who can. If you wish to be safe from sin, ask God for that great blessing, and he will give it to you; but if you do not want it, do not complain if God says, "I shall give it to such and such a person, and you that do not even ask for it shall be left without it." If you do not care to be holy, you shall not be holy. If you did not care for it, and wish for it, you might have it, for God denies it to none who seek it at his hands. But if you neither wish for it, nor value it, why do you lift your puny fist against the God of heaven because he hath chosen others, that they should be holy and without blame before him in love?
The object of our election is our holiness, and the object of every spiritual blessing is our holiness. God is aiming at making us holy. Are you not glad of that? May I not say, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, because his aim in every gift is to make us holy"? Brothers and sisters, would we not sacrifice everything we have, and count it no sacrifice, if we might be perfectly holy? I said to a young girl, who came to join the church, "Mary, are you perfect?" She looked at me and said, "No, sir." I said, "Would you like to be?" "Oh, that I would! I long for it; I cry for it." Surely, the God who makes us long to be perfect, has already wrought a great work in us; and if we can say that, to be perfect, would be heaven to us, then we are already on the road to heaven, and God is working out in us his eternal purpose, which is, "that we should be holy."
There is one thing more: "That we should be holy and without blame before him in love." Does that mean that we are to be loving, full of love, and without blame in that matter? Well, I am afraid that there are not very many Christians who are without blame on the score of love. I know a man, a noble man intellectually, and, in some respects, spiritually. I believe that he would die at the stake for the grand old Calvinistic faith; but he is as hard as iron; you cannot feel any kind of love to him, for he does not feel any kind of love to anybody else. That man is not without blame before God in love. I have known others; wonderful Christians they appear to be, they could pray for a week; but if you are poor, and ask them for a little help, your asking will all be in vain. I do not think that they are without blame before God in love. O brothers, God has chosen us to be loving, he has ordained us to be loving; and all the innumerable blessings which he has given to us, he sends to win us to a loving spirit, that we may be without blame in that matter. Our dear friend, Mr. William Olney, whom we remember here still, and never can forget, was, I think, without blame in that matter of love. I sometimes thought that he used to shed his love on some who might have been the better for a hard word; for they were deceivers; but he could not bring his mind to think that anybody could be a deceiver; and if anybody was in want of help, no matter though their own misconduct had brought them into poverty, his hand was in his pocket, and out again, very quickly with help for them. He never failed in love; and I pray that you and I, with prudence and wisdom mixed with it, may be without blame before God in the matter of love. Love your fellow-Christians. Love poor sinners to Christ. Love those that despitefully use you. Love those round about you who are strangers to the love of God. It may be that they will see in your love some little image of the love of God, as in a drop of water you may sometimes see the sun and the heavens reflected. God make us to be reflections of the love of God! His purpose is that we may be holy and without blame before him in love.
Now, I have set before you a rare treasury. Does this treasury belong to you? My dear hearers, is Christ yours? Are you trusting him? If not, there is nothing yours. Without Christ, you can do nothing, and you are nothing, and you have nothing. Come to Jesus as you are, and put your trust in him, and then all things are yours. If Christ be yours, beloved, then I charge you bless the Lord, ay, bless the Lord again and again, for you will never bless him as much as he deserves to be blessed. Let us finish this service as we closed our worship this morning, by singing the doxology,—
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
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EPHESIANS 1
The Epistle to the Ephesians is a complete Body of Divinity. In the first chapter you have the doctrines of the gospel; in the next, you have the experience of the Christians; and before the Epistle is finished, you have the precepts of the Christian faith. Whosoever would see Christianity in on treatise, let him "read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest" the Epistle to the Ephesians.
1, 2. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus; grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
All down through the ages this benediction comes to us, even to as many of us as are " the faithful in Christ Jesus." "Grace be to you," brethren and sisters, grace in every form of it, the free favour of God, all that active force of grace which comes of his unmerited love. May you have a fresh draught of it at this time! "and peace." May you feel a deep peace with God, with your own conscience, and with all the world! Oh, that you might find an atmosphere of quiet calm about your mind at this very moment! The double blessing of "grace" and "peace" comes "from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."
3, 4. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,
One of the first doctrines of our holy faith is that of the union of all believing souls with Christ. We are blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ. Apart from Christ we are nothing; in Christ we have "all spiritual blessings" We are rich as Christ is rich, when we are united to him by the living bond of faith. Another great doctrine of Holy Scripture is that of election. We are blessed in Christ according as the Father "hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world." Why did God choose any unto eternal life? Was it because of any holiness in them then existing, or forseen to exist? No, by no means; for we read that: "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,"
4. That we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
We are chosen, not because we are holy, but that we may be made holy. The election precedes the character, and is indeed the moving cause in producing the character. Before the foundation of the world, God chose us in Christ, "that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." You see, then, beloved brethren and sisters, the end for which the Lord chose you by his grace.
5. Having predestinated us
Having destined us before we were born,
5. Unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
The chosen ones are adopted; they become the children of God. The universal Fatherhood of God, except in a very special sense, is a doctrine totally unknown to Scripture. God is the Father of those whom he adopts into his family, who are born again into his family, and no man hath any right to believe God to be his Father except through the new birth, and through adoption. And why God thus elects or adopts is declared here: "According to the good pleasure of his will." He does as he pleases. That old word of God is still true: "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." Men do not like that doctrine; it galls them terribly; but it is the truth of God for all that. He is Master and King, and he will sit on the throne, and none shall drag him thence.
6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
There is another precious doctrine, the acceptance of those who are adopted. We are beloved of God; he has a complacency toward us; he takes a delight in us; we are acceptable in his sight. Oh, what a blessing this is! But remember that it is all in Christ: "Accepted in the beloved." Because Christ is accepted, therefore those who are in him are accepted.
7, 8. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
In the working out of the economy of grace, God has been lavish with his love; but yet there have been wisdom and prudence in it. He did not suffer the full light of the gospel to break in upon our eyes at first, lest we should have been blinded by it. Jesus had many things to say unto his disciples; but they could not bear them all at once; so, by little and little he has led us on, and led us up, abounding always in his grace, and only limiting the display of it by our capacity to receive it.
9, 10. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself; that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all thing in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Everything that is in Christ shall be gathered in; all his chosen, all that the Father gave him, all that he hath redeemed by blood, all that he hath effectually brought into union with himself shall be gathered together in one. There shall be one flock under one Shepherd.
11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance,
Not only shall we have it, but we have it now. We have heaven in the price of it, in the principles of it, in the promise of it, in the foretaste of it.
11, 12. Being predestined according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
The enmity of men's hearts to this doctrine of predestination was seen in the House of Common, not a fortnight ago, when one who ought to have known better talked about "the gloomy tenets of Calvin." I know nothing of Calvin's gloomy tenets; but I do know that I read here of predestination, and I read here that God hath his own way, and his own will, and that he reigns and rules, and so he will until the world's end; and all who are loyal subjects wish God to rule. He is a traitor who would not have God to be King; for who is infinitely good and kind as God is? Let him have his divine will. Who wishes to restrain him? Whether we wish is or not, however, the Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice, and let his adversaries tremble. Our predestination is "according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."
13, 14. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Those who believe in Christ have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them: the Holy Spirit is a part of heaven, "the earnest of our inheritance"; and wherever he dwells, it is not possible that the heart should lose the inheritance. It is entailed upon those in whom the Spirit dwells. Judge, there, dear brethren, whether the Spirit of God dwells in you or no.
15-23. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; they ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward, who believe; according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things in the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
How Paul glows as he writes on this great theme! He waxes warm, and rises to an enthusiasm of eloquence. We could not stop to explain his words; that were to spoil their mystic poetry. Oh, to have a heart that can glorify Christ as Paul did! Truly, if we know ourselves to be one with Christ, and know the privileges which come to us through that blessed gate, we may indeed extol him with all our heart and soul.
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HYMNS FROM "OUR OWN HYMN BOOK"—232; Ps. 103, Version I.; 219; and the Doxology.
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Copyright © 2001 by Phillip R. Johnson. All rights reserved. hits
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Scripture for Life
Please pray with us and for us as we stand strong in the Word of God;
New International Version (©1984)
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
[By David.] The LORD is my light and my salvation. Who is there to fear? The LORD is my life's fortress. Who is there to be afraid of?
King James Bible
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
American King James Version
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
American Standard Version
Jehovah is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Bible in Basic English
The Lord is my light and my salvation; who is then a cause of fear to me? the Lord is the strength of my life; who is a danger to me?
Douay-Rheims Bible
The psalm of David before he was anointed. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?
Darby Bible Translation
{A Psalm of David.} Jehovah is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
English Revised Version
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Webster's Bible Translation
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
World English Bible
Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?
Young's Literal Translation
By David. Jehovah is my light and my salvation, Whom do I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life, Of whom am I afraid?
Geneva Study Bible
<> The LORD is my {a} light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
(a) Because he was assured of good success in all his dangers and that his salvation was surely laid up in God, he did not fear the tyranny of his enemies.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 27
Ps 27:1-14. With a general strain of confidence, hope, and joy, especially in God's worship, in the midst of dangers, the Psalmist introduces prayer for divine help and guidance.
1. light-is a common figure for comfort.
strength-or, "stronghold"-affording security against all violence. The interrogations give greater vividness to the negation implied.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
27:1-6 The Lord, who is the believer's light, is the strength of his life; not only by whom, but in whom he lives and moves. In God let us strengthen ourselves. The gracious presence of God, his power, his promise, his readiness to hear prayer, the witness of his Spirit in the hearts of his people; these are the secret of his tabernacle, and in these the saints find cause for that holy security and peace of mind in which they dwell at ease. The psalmist prays for constant communion with God in holy ordinances. All God's children desire to dwell in their Father's house. Not to sojourn there as a wayfaring man, to tarry but for a night; or to dwell there for a time only, as the servant that abides not in the house for ever; but to dwell there all the days of their life, as children with a father. Do we hope that the praising of God will be the blessedness of our eternity? Surely then we ought to make it the business of our time. This he had at heart more than any thing. Whatever the Christian is as to this life, he considers the favour and service of God as the one thing needful. This he desires, prays for and seeks after, and in it he rejoices.
Exodus 15:2 "The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will extol Him.
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Psalm 18:28 For You light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness.
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Psalm 28:8 The LORD is their strength, And He is a saving defense to His anointed.
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Psalm 62:7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
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Psalm 118:6 The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?
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Psalm 118:14 The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Isaiah 33:2 O LORD, be gracious to us; we have waited for You. Be their strength every morning, Our salvation also in the time of distress.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Isaiah 60:20 "Your sun will no longer set, Nor will your
Let us Praise God all in Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit of God A-men
New International Version (©1984)
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
[By David.] The LORD is my light and my salvation. Who is there to fear? The LORD is my life's fortress. Who is there to be afraid of?
King James Bible
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
American King James Version
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
American Standard Version
Jehovah is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Bible in Basic English
Douay-Rheims Bible
The psalm of David before he was anointed. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?
Darby Bible Translation
{A Psalm of David.} Jehovah is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
English Revised Version
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Webster's Bible Translation
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
World English Bible
Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?
Young's Literal Translation
By David. Jehovah is my light and my salvation, Whom do I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life, Of whom am I afraid?
Geneva Study Bible
<> The LORD is my {a} light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
(a) Because he was assured of good success in all his dangers and that his salvation was surely laid up in God, he did not fear the tyranny of his enemies.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 27
Ps 27:1-14. With a general strain of confidence, hope, and joy, especially in God's worship, in the midst of dangers, the Psalmist introduces prayer for divine help and guidance.
1. light-is a common figure for comfort.
strength-or, "stronghold"-affording security against all violence. The interrogations give greater vividness to the negation implied.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
27:1-6 The Lord, who is the believer's light, is the strength of his life; not only by whom, but in whom he lives and moves. In God let us strengthen ourselves. The gracious presence of God, his power, his promise, his readiness to hear prayer, the witness of his Spirit in the hearts of his people; these are the secret of his tabernacle, and in these the saints find cause for that holy security and peace of mind in which they dwell at ease. The psalmist prays for constant communion with God in holy ordinances. All God's children desire to dwell in their Father's house. Not to sojourn there as a wayfaring man, to tarry but for a night; or to dwell there for a time only, as the servant that abides not in the house for ever; but to dwell there all the days of their life, as children with a father. Do we hope that the praising of God will be the blessedness of our eternity? Surely then we ought to make it the business of our time. This he had at heart more than any thing. Whatever the Christian is as to this life, he considers the favour and service of God as the one thing needful. This he desires, prays for and seeks after, and in it he rejoices.
Exodus 15:2 "The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will extol Him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalm 18:28 For You light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalm 28:8 The LORD is their strength, And He is a saving defense to His anointed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalm 62:7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalm 118:6 The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalm 118:14 The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Isaiah 33:2 O LORD, be gracious to us; we have waited for You. Be their strength every morning, Our salvation also in the time of distress.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Isaiah 60:20 "Your sun will no longer set, Nor will your
Let us Praise God all in Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit of God A-men
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A Veterans Day Tribute
As a church and people we salute all veterans in service to their nation. We continue to pray for peace in a world filled with war and violence. The Holy Spirit of God has directed me to a different level of thought and emotion on this particular subject. The true focus of our time on Earth is one of service to God. My blood runs deep in terms of service to both God and Nation. Our veterans are worthy of this Day in The Lord.
Let us pray. Eternal God of all Peace. We pray for all veterans in service to all nations. We thank God and Praise God for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. We ask that peace have its day and way. We give You O' Lord all the power, glory and honor as you bless all veterans and their families with the gift of love and peace in troubled times. In Jesus name we pray..
Please note the following history and song that reflects our direct guidance by The Holy Spirit of God all in Christ Jesus; God Bless you today:
Baring-Gould wrote about this hymn:
Whit-Monday is a great day for school festivals in Yorkshire. One Whit-Monday, thirty years ago, it was arranged that our school should join forces with that of a neighboring village. I wanted the children to sing when marching from one village to another, but couldn’t think of anything quite suitable; so I sat up at night, resolved that I would write something myself. “Onward, Christian Soldiers” was the result. It was written in great haste, and I am afraid some of the rhymes are faulty. Certainly nothing has surprised me more than its popularity. I don’t remember how it got printed first, but I know that very soon it found its way into several collections. I have written a few other hymns since then, but only two or three have become at all well-known.
This hymn was sung at the funeral of American president Dwight Eisenhower at the National Cathedral, Washington, DC, March 1969.
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Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!
Refrain
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
Refrain
Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
Refrain
What the saints established that I hold for true.
What the saints believèd, that I believe too.
Long as earth endureth, men the faith will hold,
Kingdoms, nations, empires, in destruction rolled.
Refrain
Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.
Refrain
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.
Refrain
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
中文 | Cymraeg | हिंदी | Shona | Yorùbá
Let us pray. Eternal God of all Peace. We pray for all veterans in service to all nations. We thank God and Praise God for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. We ask that peace have its day and way. We give You O' Lord all the power, glory and honor as you bless all veterans and their families with the gift of love and peace in troubled times. In Jesus name we pray..
Please note the following history and song that reflects our direct guidance by The Holy Spirit of God all in Christ Jesus; God Bless you today:
Baring-Gould wrote about this hymn:
Whit-Monday is a great day for school festivals in Yorkshire. One Whit-Monday, thirty years ago, it was arranged that our school should join forces with that of a neighboring village. I wanted the children to sing when marching from one village to another, but couldn’t think of anything quite suitable; so I sat up at night, resolved that I would write something myself. “Onward, Christian Soldiers” was the result. It was written in great haste, and I am afraid some of the rhymes are faulty. Certainly nothing has surprised me more than its popularity. I don’t remember how it got printed first, but I know that very soon it found its way into several collections. I have written a few other hymns since then, but only two or three have become at all well-known.
This hymn was sung at the funeral of American president Dwight Eisenhower at the National Cathedral, Washington, DC, March 1969.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!
Refrain
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
Refrain
Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
Refrain
What the saints established that I hold for true.
What the saints believèd, that I believe too.
Long as earth endureth, men the faith will hold,
Kingdoms, nations, empires, in destruction rolled.
Refrain
Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.
Refrain
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.
Refrain
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
中文 | Cymraeg | हिंदी | Shona | Yorùbá
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sermon: We need more Prayer
Glory to Good in the highest all in Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit of God Forever in the Name of Jesus.
We need more prayer today. The question is why? There is so much evil in the world that we must get closer to God to protect our souls. Jesus was born to take away the sins of the world. Jesus died on the cross to give us our salvation to live with He and God for ever. God raised him on the third day, all to the Glory of God. This is what our faith. Glory to God in The Highest. We thank Thee Lord for such a wonderful gift in Christ Jesus.
We need more prayer to acknowledge this all important gift of our salvation that can overcome all the evils of this world. The key is The Lords Prayer:
commentary
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Lord's Prayer Commentary
by John Calvin
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the lords prayer
index
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Matthew chapter 6 verse 13
13. And lead us not into temptation Some people have split this petition into two. This is wrong: for the nature of the subject makes it manifest, that it is one and the same petition. The connection of the words also shows it: for the word but, which is placed between, connects the two clauses together, as Augustine judiciously explains. The sentence ought to be resolved thus, That we may not be led into temptation, deliver us from evil The meaning is: “We are conscious Of our own weakness, and desire to enjoy the protection of God, that we may remain impregnable against all the assaults of Satan.” We showed from the former petition, that no man can be reckoned a Christian, who does not acknowledge himself to be a sinner; and in the same manner, we conclude from this petition, that we have no strength for living a holy life, except so far as we obtain it from God. Whoever implores the assistance of God to overcome temptations, acknowledges that, unless God deliver him, he will be constantly falling. 441 “Afin qu'i! ne trebusche pas a chacun coup;” — “that he may not reel at every blow.”
The word temptation is often used generally for any kind of trial. In this sense God is said to have tempted Abraham, (Genesis 22:1 ,) when he tried his faith. We are tempted both by adversity and by prosperity: because each of them is an occasion of bringing to light feelings which were formerly concealed. But here it denotes inward temptation, which may be fitly called the scourge of the devil, for exciting our lust. It would be foolish to ask, that God would keep us free from every thing which makes trial of our faith. All wicked emotions, which excite us to sin, are included under the name of temptation Though it is not impossible that we may feel such pricks in our minds, (for, during the whole course of our life, we have a constant warfare with the flesh,) yet we ask that the Lord would not cause us to be thrown down, or suffer us to be overwhelmed, by temptations
In order to express this truth more clearly, that we are liable to constant stumbling and ruinous falls, if God does not uphold us with his hand, Christ used this form of expression, (μὴ εἰσενέγκὟς,) Lead us not into temptation: or, as some render it, Bring us not into temptation It is certainly true, that “every man is tempted,” as the Apostle James says, (1:14 ) “by his own lust:” yet, as God not only gives us up to the will of Satan, to kindle the flame of lust, but employs him as the agent of his wrath, when he chooses to drive men headlong to destruction, he may be also said, in a way peculiar to himself, to lead them into temptation In the same sense, “an evil spirit from the Lord” is said to have “seized or troubled Saul,” (1 Samuel 16:14 :) and there are many passages of Scripture to the same purpose. And yet we will not therefore say, that God is the author of evil: because, by giving men over to a reprobate mind,” (Romans 1:28 ,) he does not exercise a confused tyranny, but executes his just, though secret 442 “Combien que la raison nous en soit incognue;” — “though the reason of them may be unknown to us.” judgments.
Deliver us from evil The word evil (πονηροῦ) may either be taken in the neuter gender, as signifying the evil thing, or in the masculine gender, as signifying the evil one Chrysostom refers it to the Devil, who is the contriver of every thing evil, and, as the deadly enemy of our salvation, is continually fighting against us. 443 Chrysostom's words are: — Πονηρὸν ἐνταῦθα τὸν διάζολον καλεῖ Κατ ᾿ ἐξοχὴν δὲ οἱτος ἐκεῖνος καλεῖται διὰ τὴν ὑπερζολὴν τὢς κακίας, καὶ ἐπειδὰν μηδὲν παρ ᾿ ἡμῶν ἀδικηθεὶς ἄσπονδον πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἔχει τὸυ πόλεμον. “He calls the Devil, in this place, THE EVIL ONE. He is, by way of eminence, so called, on account of his superlative wickedness, and because, though he has received no injury from us, he carries on against us an implacable war.” — Ed. But it may, with equal propriety, be explained as referring to sin There is no necessity for raising a debate on this point: for the meaning remains nearly the same, that we are in danger from the devil and from sin, if the Lord does not protect and deliver us.
For thine is the kingdom It is surprising that this clause, which agrees so well with the rest of the prayer, has been left out by the Latins: 444 That part of the Lord's Prayer, which we commonly call the conclusion, is not found in the Gospel by Luke, and its genuineness has been questioned. None of the Latin copies (as Calvin mentions) have it: but even those who have most zealously maintained that it is spurious, admit that it exists in the greater number of the Greek manuscripts. Erasmus, Grotius, Witsius, Griesbach, Matthaei, and Scholz, may be consulted by those who wish to examine the question for themselves, and to hear all that has been said on both sides. Any thing like the summing up of the argument here would exceed the limits of a note. — Ed.
for it was not added merely for the purpose of kindling our hearts to seek the glory of God, and of reminding us what ought to be the object of our prayers; but likewise to teach us, that our prayers, which are here dictated to us, are founded on God alone, that we may not rely on our own merits.
Do continue to pray. Bless this ministry and all our followers. Let us continue to grow and bless others, we pray for Gods' Will for our families.We ASK this in Jesus name....
John Calvin (1509-1564) - Commentary on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 1
We need more prayer today. The question is why? There is so much evil in the world that we must get closer to God to protect our souls. Jesus was born to take away the sins of the world. Jesus died on the cross to give us our salvation to live with He and God for ever. God raised him on the third day, all to the Glory of God. This is what our faith. Glory to God in The Highest. We thank Thee Lord for such a wonderful gift in Christ Jesus.
We need more prayer to acknowledge this all important gift of our salvation that can overcome all the evils of this world. The key is The Lords Prayer:
commentary
& study section
Lord's Prayer Commentary
by John Calvin
back to
commentary on
the lords prayer
index
back to
the lords prayer
prayerscapes - creative
christian music
Matthew chapter 6 verse 13
13. And lead us not into temptation Some people have split this petition into two. This is wrong: for the nature of the subject makes it manifest, that it is one and the same petition. The connection of the words also shows it: for the word but, which is placed between, connects the two clauses together, as Augustine judiciously explains. The sentence ought to be resolved thus, That we may not be led into temptation, deliver us from evil The meaning is: “We are conscious Of our own weakness, and desire to enjoy the protection of God, that we may remain impregnable against all the assaults of Satan.” We showed from the former petition, that no man can be reckoned a Christian, who does not acknowledge himself to be a sinner; and in the same manner, we conclude from this petition, that we have no strength for living a holy life, except so far as we obtain it from God. Whoever implores the assistance of God to overcome temptations, acknowledges that, unless God deliver him, he will be constantly falling. 441 “Afin qu'i! ne trebusche pas a chacun coup;” — “that he may not reel at every blow.”
The word temptation is often used generally for any kind of trial. In this sense God is said to have tempted Abraham, (Genesis 22:1 ,) when he tried his faith. We are tempted both by adversity and by prosperity: because each of them is an occasion of bringing to light feelings which were formerly concealed. But here it denotes inward temptation, which may be fitly called the scourge of the devil, for exciting our lust. It would be foolish to ask, that God would keep us free from every thing which makes trial of our faith. All wicked emotions, which excite us to sin, are included under the name of temptation Though it is not impossible that we may feel such pricks in our minds, (for, during the whole course of our life, we have a constant warfare with the flesh,) yet we ask that the Lord would not cause us to be thrown down, or suffer us to be overwhelmed, by temptations
In order to express this truth more clearly, that we are liable to constant stumbling and ruinous falls, if God does not uphold us with his hand, Christ used this form of expression, (μὴ εἰσενέγκὟς,) Lead us not into temptation: or, as some render it, Bring us not into temptation It is certainly true, that “every man is tempted,” as the Apostle James says, (1:14 ) “by his own lust:” yet, as God not only gives us up to the will of Satan, to kindle the flame of lust, but employs him as the agent of his wrath, when he chooses to drive men headlong to destruction, he may be also said, in a way peculiar to himself, to lead them into temptation In the same sense, “an evil spirit from the Lord” is said to have “seized or troubled Saul,” (1 Samuel 16:14 :) and there are many passages of Scripture to the same purpose. And yet we will not therefore say, that God is the author of evil: because, by giving men over to a reprobate mind,” (Romans 1:28 ,) he does not exercise a confused tyranny, but executes his just, though secret 442 “Combien que la raison nous en soit incognue;” — “though the reason of them may be unknown to us.” judgments.
Deliver us from evil The word evil (πονηροῦ) may either be taken in the neuter gender, as signifying the evil thing, or in the masculine gender, as signifying the evil one Chrysostom refers it to the Devil, who is the contriver of every thing evil, and, as the deadly enemy of our salvation, is continually fighting against us. 443 Chrysostom's words are: — Πονηρὸν ἐνταῦθα τὸν διάζολον καλεῖ Κατ ᾿ ἐξοχὴν δὲ οἱτος ἐκεῖνος καλεῖται διὰ τὴν ὑπερζολὴν τὢς κακίας, καὶ ἐπειδὰν μηδὲν παρ ᾿ ἡμῶν ἀδικηθεὶς ἄσπονδον πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἔχει τὸυ πόλεμον. “He calls the Devil, in this place, THE EVIL ONE. He is, by way of eminence, so called, on account of his superlative wickedness, and because, though he has received no injury from us, he carries on against us an implacable war.” — Ed. But it may, with equal propriety, be explained as referring to sin There is no necessity for raising a debate on this point: for the meaning remains nearly the same, that we are in danger from the devil and from sin, if the Lord does not protect and deliver us.
For thine is the kingdom It is surprising that this clause, which agrees so well with the rest of the prayer, has been left out by the Latins: 444 That part of the Lord's Prayer, which we commonly call the conclusion, is not found in the Gospel by Luke, and its genuineness has been questioned. None of the Latin copies (as Calvin mentions) have it: but even those who have most zealously maintained that it is spurious, admit that it exists in the greater number of the Greek manuscripts. Erasmus, Grotius, Witsius, Griesbach, Matthaei, and Scholz, may be consulted by those who wish to examine the question for themselves, and to hear all that has been said on both sides. Any thing like the summing up of the argument here would exceed the limits of a note. — Ed.
for it was not added merely for the purpose of kindling our hearts to seek the glory of God, and of reminding us what ought to be the object of our prayers; but likewise to teach us, that our prayers, which are here dictated to us, are founded on God alone, that we may not rely on our own merits.
Do continue to pray. Bless this ministry and all our followers. Let us continue to grow and bless others, we pray for Gods' Will for our families.We ASK this in Jesus name....
John Calvin (1509-1564) - Commentary on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 1
Friday, November 6, 2009
Scripture for Life meets Prayer Time
THE LORD IS MY LIGHT
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
from Psalm 27
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
from Psalm 27
Devotion: Praise The Lord of All Help...
Prayer: Dear God of All Help, we need Thee Today. Violence and Joblessness are the order of the day. People need help. Our systems are too weak to help. Only You can save us in Christ Jesus. We Thank You Lord for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. We give you all power, glory and honor for ever. A-men
CASTING OUR CARE ON CHRIST
"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." - 1PET 5:7
Casting our cares upon Christ is the only sure way of soothing sorrow. What can be a greater consolation than to receive the faith to believe "He careth for you"?
Christian! Do not dishonour the tender, caring love of your Saviour by always wearing a brow of care. Come, cast your burden upon your Lord. You are staggering beneath a weight that your heavenly Father will carry for you. What seems to you a crushing burden, would be to Him but as the small dust of the balance. Nothing is so sweet as to
"Lie passive in God's hands,
And know no will but His."
Isn't it true that most often our greatest concerns are with regard for tomorrow? Our Saviour gives us such blessed consolation in MAT 6:34 where He says, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Our blessed Lord gives strength for the burdens of the day--but we all to often attempt to carry the load of tomorrow with it. That is why our burden seems heavier than we can bear. O dear child of God, be patient; our God sends these trials in providence to prove our faith in Him, He has not passed you by in His providence.
See how our Saviour counsels His little flock to trust in our Heavenly Father's providing care! "And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" MAT 6:28-30.
In His infinite wisdom our God's purpose is to wean us from trusting in an arm of flesh. As we enter His service we find all our spiritual and temporal needs supplied in abundance. Our Saviour says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you," MAT 6:33.
Our tender heavenly Father, who feeds the sparrows, will also furnish you with what you need. Do not sit not down in despair; look away from the circumstances unto Christ in faith. See what He says in JOH 3:14, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up."
As long the Israelites looked upon the fiery serpents, they died, but the command was, "...Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live," NUM 21:8. Even so Christ must be lifted up before the eye of faith, and when we look away from our present circumstances unto Christ--we shall live!
Look unto Christ in a sea of trouble, our text says to, "Cast all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." Our loving Saviour cares. His eye is fixed on you, His heart beats with pity for your woe, and His hand omnipotent shall yet bring you the needed help. The darkest cloud shall scatter itself in showers of mercy. The blackest gloom shall give place to the morning.
Nothing heals any wound like the Balm of Gilead, i.e., the love of our crucified Christ. If you are one of His family, He will bind up your wounds, and heal your broken heart. Doubt not His grace because of your tribulation, but believe. He loves you as much in seasons of trouble as in times of happiness. What a serene and quiet life might you lead if you would leave providing to the God of providence!
With a little oil in the cruse, and a handful of meal in the barrel, Elijah and the widow that sustained him outlived the famine, and you will do the same. Seeing God cares for you, why should you care too? Can you trust Him for your soul, and not for your body? He has never refused to bear your burdens, He has never fainted under their weight.
Come, then, souls! Be done with fretful care, and leave all your concerns in the hand of a gracious Saviour. "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." Amen.
STILL SWEETER EVERY DAY
To Jesus ev'ry day I find my heart is closer drawn;
He's fairer than the glory of the gold and purple dawn;
He's all my fancy pictures in its fairest dreams, and more;
Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before.
His glory broke upon me when I saw Him from afar;
He's fairer than the lily, brighter than the morning star;
He fills and satisfies my longing spirit o'er and o'er;
Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before.
My heart is sometimes heavy, but He comes with sweet relief;
He folds me to His bosom when I droop with blighting grief;
I love the Christ who all my burdens in His body bore;
Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before.
The half cannot be fancied this side the golden shore;
Oh, there He'll be still sweeter than He ever was before.
- W. C. Martin
Lord Bless all who read these words in Jesus name. We pray for an increase in followers in the name of our Lord and Savior....
CASTING OUR CARE ON CHRIST
"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." - 1PET 5:7
Casting our cares upon Christ is the only sure way of soothing sorrow. What can be a greater consolation than to receive the faith to believe "He careth for you"?
Christian! Do not dishonour the tender, caring love of your Saviour by always wearing a brow of care. Come, cast your burden upon your Lord. You are staggering beneath a weight that your heavenly Father will carry for you. What seems to you a crushing burden, would be to Him but as the small dust of the balance. Nothing is so sweet as to
"Lie passive in God's hands,
And know no will but His."
Isn't it true that most often our greatest concerns are with regard for tomorrow? Our Saviour gives us such blessed consolation in MAT 6:34 where He says, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Our blessed Lord gives strength for the burdens of the day--but we all to often attempt to carry the load of tomorrow with it. That is why our burden seems heavier than we can bear. O dear child of God, be patient; our God sends these trials in providence to prove our faith in Him, He has not passed you by in His providence.
See how our Saviour counsels His little flock to trust in our Heavenly Father's providing care! "And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" MAT 6:28-30.
In His infinite wisdom our God's purpose is to wean us from trusting in an arm of flesh. As we enter His service we find all our spiritual and temporal needs supplied in abundance. Our Saviour says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you," MAT 6:33.
Our tender heavenly Father, who feeds the sparrows, will also furnish you with what you need. Do not sit not down in despair; look away from the circumstances unto Christ in faith. See what He says in JOH 3:14, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up."
As long the Israelites looked upon the fiery serpents, they died, but the command was, "...Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live," NUM 21:8. Even so Christ must be lifted up before the eye of faith, and when we look away from our present circumstances unto Christ--we shall live!
Look unto Christ in a sea of trouble, our text says to, "Cast all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." Our loving Saviour cares. His eye is fixed on you, His heart beats with pity for your woe, and His hand omnipotent shall yet bring you the needed help. The darkest cloud shall scatter itself in showers of mercy. The blackest gloom shall give place to the morning.
Nothing heals any wound like the Balm of Gilead, i.e., the love of our crucified Christ. If you are one of His family, He will bind up your wounds, and heal your broken heart. Doubt not His grace because of your tribulation, but believe. He loves you as much in seasons of trouble as in times of happiness. What a serene and quiet life might you lead if you would leave providing to the God of providence!
With a little oil in the cruse, and a handful of meal in the barrel, Elijah and the widow that sustained him outlived the famine, and you will do the same. Seeing God cares for you, why should you care too? Can you trust Him for your soul, and not for your body? He has never refused to bear your burdens, He has never fainted under their weight.
Come, then, souls! Be done with fretful care, and leave all your concerns in the hand of a gracious Saviour. "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." Amen.
STILL SWEETER EVERY DAY
To Jesus ev'ry day I find my heart is closer drawn;
He's fairer than the glory of the gold and purple dawn;
He's all my fancy pictures in its fairest dreams, and more;
Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before.
His glory broke upon me when I saw Him from afar;
He's fairer than the lily, brighter than the morning star;
He fills and satisfies my longing spirit o'er and o'er;
Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before.
My heart is sometimes heavy, but He comes with sweet relief;
He folds me to His bosom when I droop with blighting grief;
I love the Christ who all my burdens in His body bore;
Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before.
The half cannot be fancied this side the golden shore;
Oh, there He'll be still sweeter than He ever was before.
- W. C. Martin
Lord Bless all who read these words in Jesus name. We pray for an increase in followers in the name of our Lord and Savior....
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Prayer in Scripture
THE GOODNESS OF GOD IN HIS NATURE AND DEEDS
PSA 119:68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
>>As we survey the context of our text we find the same blessed principle taught in
PHI 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ.
Let us pray without stopping in the Lord.
PSA 119:68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
>>As we survey the context of our text we find the same blessed principle taught in
PHI 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ.
Let us pray without stopping in the Lord.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Bible Study: At The Feet of Jesus
At the Feet of Jesus
Luke 10:38-42 Luke 10:38-42 (New American Standard Bible)
Martha and Mary
38Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named (A)Martha welcomed Him into her home.
39She had a sister called (B)Mary, who was (C)seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word.
40But (D)Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me."
41But the Lord answered and said to her, "(E)Martha, Martha, you are (F)worried and bothered about so many things;
42(G)but only one thing is necessary, for (H)Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
Cross references:
A.Luke 10:38 : Luke 10:40; John 11:1, 5, 19-ff, 30, 39;
The heart of worship is to find ourselves at the feet of Jesus in submission.
How often do we find ourselves there?
o Do I really possess a strong desire for God and His presence in my life?
o Do I go through life largely consumed with secular pursuits and worldly entertainment, while the things of God have little place in my life?
Every time in the Word that we encounter Mary of Bethany (the sister of Lazarus) we find her at the feet of Jesus.
1. At His Feet to Listen to His Words.
a. While Martha was busy, Mary was at the feet of Jesus listening to Him.
b. She was open to what He had to say.
c. She was hungry to know Him and hear from Him.
d. Jesus declared that Mary had chosen the good part.
e. Sometimes we get so caught up like Martha in trying to do the work and service of Christianity that we forfeit what is really important.
f. We can get so busy in the doing that we forget the being.
g. The most important thing a Christian will ever do is worship Jesus, and the best place to do that is at His feet.
2. At His Feet to Bless and Anoint Him.
a. John 12:3 – Mary anoints the feet of Jesus and wipes them with her hair.
b. So often people are looking to receive an anointing or blessing from God rather than looking for opportunities to anoint and bless Him.
c. The highest degree or form of devotion is to give to someone without the motivation of getting anything in return.
d. Mary’s act was motivated purely by love.
e. A note in the Full Life Study Bible declares, “(Mary’s) faith in and devotion to the Lord is the highest example of what God desires in believers.”
3. At His Feet When He Didn’t Do Things they Way She Wanted or Expected.
a. John 11:32 – Lazarus was in a tomb. Surely Jesus could have prevented that.
b. Even though Jesus had not acted in the way Mary had desired, she still laid at His feet in devotion, submission and worship.
c. The true character of a person’s heart will be revealed when God acts differently from their desires or expectations.
d. Whenever God is doing things that are beneficial or going your way, it is real easy to worship Him and be at His feet.
e. True worship that is genuine and from the heart comes regardless of the circumstances in which we find ours at the feet of Jesus.
Luke 10:38-42 Luke 10:38-42 (New American Standard Bible)
Martha and Mary
38Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named (A)Martha welcomed Him into her home.
39She had a sister called (B)Mary, who was (C)seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word.
40But (D)Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me."
41But the Lord answered and said to her, "(E)Martha, Martha, you are (F)worried and bothered about so many things;
42(G)but only one thing is necessary, for (H)Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
Cross references:
A.Luke 10:38 : Luke 10:40; John 11:1, 5, 19-ff, 30, 39;
The heart of worship is to find ourselves at the feet of Jesus in submission.
How often do we find ourselves there?
o Do I really possess a strong desire for God and His presence in my life?
o Do I go through life largely consumed with secular pursuits and worldly entertainment, while the things of God have little place in my life?
Every time in the Word that we encounter Mary of Bethany (the sister of Lazarus) we find her at the feet of Jesus.
1. At His Feet to Listen to His Words.
a. While Martha was busy, Mary was at the feet of Jesus listening to Him.
b. She was open to what He had to say.
c. She was hungry to know Him and hear from Him.
d. Jesus declared that Mary had chosen the good part.
e. Sometimes we get so caught up like Martha in trying to do the work and service of Christianity that we forfeit what is really important.
f. We can get so busy in the doing that we forget the being.
g. The most important thing a Christian will ever do is worship Jesus, and the best place to do that is at His feet.
2. At His Feet to Bless and Anoint Him.
a. John 12:3 – Mary anoints the feet of Jesus and wipes them with her hair.
b. So often people are looking to receive an anointing or blessing from God rather than looking for opportunities to anoint and bless Him.
c. The highest degree or form of devotion is to give to someone without the motivation of getting anything in return.
d. Mary’s act was motivated purely by love.
e. A note in the Full Life Study Bible declares, “(Mary’s) faith in and devotion to the Lord is the highest example of what God desires in believers.”
3. At His Feet When He Didn’t Do Things they Way She Wanted or Expected.
a. John 11:32 – Lazarus was in a tomb. Surely Jesus could have prevented that.
b. Even though Jesus had not acted in the way Mary had desired, she still laid at His feet in devotion, submission and worship.
c. The true character of a person’s heart will be revealed when God acts differently from their desires or expectations.
d. Whenever God is doing things that are beneficial or going your way, it is real easy to worship Him and be at His feet.
e. True worship that is genuine and from the heart comes regardless of the circumstances in which we find ours at the feet of Jesus.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Great God Almighty
We Praise God for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior and The Holy Spirit of God all in Christ Jesus.
GREAT GOD ALMIGHTY There is a time for war and there is a time for peace. The time has come to lay down your weapons and to turn them into plowshares. It is time now to give food to the widows, go and tend to your orphans, heal the wounded, give comfort the aged, and bring peace upon your night and day. I gave my creation as a gift so that mankind could become fruitful and to multiply. The division and subtraction are the making of the evil that lies in a mans heart and soul. Behold, I am watching you, and I alone know you well.
It was I, the Alpha and the Omega, who created the Heavens and the Earth. It was I, the Creator, who breathed eternal air into the lungs of man and woman whom I also created. Because of my love for you, you and you alone were given domain over all that lives in the seas, that which soars through the skies, and all things, great and small, that move upon the land. I am he, the Beginning and the End.
I know what is hidden in your heart. I know every thought that has entered your mind. Do you not remember, it is I who knows the number of hairs upon your head. There will come a time when you will stand before me, and like an open book, I will read the balance of good and evil within your soul. It is then, in a twinkling of the eye, that I will measure the reward of your eternal salvation. Woe to those who follow in the path of that devil, known as Satan.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sermon: The Importance of Prayer
Our message today is one of great importance in the life of the believer. We want to direct our attention on exactly how important prayer is in our walk of faith. Let us pray:
Dear God in Heaven;
We pray that your word be magnified through out the universe. We love You so much today. We Bless Your Holy name. Let those who read these words are moved in new directions in Your perfect will.
We thank you Lord and give you all the praise in the name of Jesus Christ A-men.
Sermon: The Importance of Prayer: "Hallowed be Thy name"
Matthew 6:9
Our source of scripture is simply and clear. "Hallow be Thy name" is the main focus of the Lord's prayer. God is the most important person of all prayer. This is not as easy as it sounds. People are under tremendous pressure today. The problems of the world are overwhelming at best. People are so troubled that they do not know what to do. The question is, who is most important in the universe?
The answer to our question is one of profound meaning. God is the creator and heavenly father, there is no other force in the universe. When we pray it is our deepest desires. Our prayers represent the depths of our heart and soul. To whom to we direct our petitions of help, mercy and thanksgiving? Who gave us life, love and the pursuit of happiness? Who must we turn to when the world has done what it can do?
In conclusion, our prayer life reflects our eternal soul. We pray to live. God is still on the throne and loves us more than we can ever imagine. Hallow be Thy name means that God alone is Holy. We understand the Goodness and Power of God and His name is to be Blessed. Jesus Christ is our main source of joy. God so loved the world that He gave us Jesus for our sin debt. Jesus dead on the cross for our sins, conquered death, and rose to be with God for our salvation. Our prayer is to acknowledge God for all that has done.Let us pray:
We praise God, Hallow be Thy name. Thank you for being our God. The joy of our salvation is all found in Christ Jesus We thank you Lord for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. We pray for all people in all places. We ask for a special prayer for our ministry and followers to be blessed beyound measure. Touch all in need in the Name of Jesus, we give you all the Power, Glory and Honor A-men.
Dear God in Heaven;
We pray that your word be magnified through out the universe. We love You so much today. We Bless Your Holy name. Let those who read these words are moved in new directions in Your perfect will.
We thank you Lord and give you all the praise in the name of Jesus Christ A-men.
Sermon: The Importance of Prayer: "Hallowed be Thy name"
Matthew 6:9
Our source of scripture is simply and clear. "Hallow be Thy name" is the main focus of the Lord's prayer. God is the most important person of all prayer. This is not as easy as it sounds. People are under tremendous pressure today. The problems of the world are overwhelming at best. People are so troubled that they do not know what to do. The question is, who is most important in the universe?
The answer to our question is one of profound meaning. God is the creator and heavenly father, there is no other force in the universe. When we pray it is our deepest desires. Our prayers represent the depths of our heart and soul. To whom to we direct our petitions of help, mercy and thanksgiving? Who gave us life, love and the pursuit of happiness? Who must we turn to when the world has done what it can do?
In conclusion, our prayer life reflects our eternal soul. We pray to live. God is still on the throne and loves us more than we can ever imagine. Hallow be Thy name means that God alone is Holy. We understand the Goodness and Power of God and His name is to be Blessed. Jesus Christ is our main source of joy. God so loved the world that He gave us Jesus for our sin debt. Jesus dead on the cross for our sins, conquered death, and rose to be with God for our salvation. Our prayer is to acknowledge God for all that has done.Let us pray:
We praise God, Hallow be Thy name. Thank you for being our God. The joy of our salvation is all found in Christ Jesus We thank you Lord for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. We pray for all people in all places. We ask for a special prayer for our ministry and followers to be blessed beyound measure. Touch all in need in the Name of Jesus, we give you all the Power, Glory and Honor A-men.
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Scripture: Psalm 100 (New International Version) Psalm 100 A psalm. For giving thanks. 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worsh... -
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,...